Amed is our quintessential Balinese idol. This is exactly what we imagined Bali to be like before we came here for the first time. Amed is the Bali we fell in love with, and Amed is the Bali that we will return to time and time again.
In fact, we just returned from our second third holiday in Amed, and we are already dreaming of going back. Amed is one of our best places for a relaxing vacation in Southeast Asia.
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Quick Guide to Amed
Visited: February and August
How many days in Amed: One lifetime (or at least five days to truly unwind).
Where did we stay in Amed: Aquaterrace and Amed Dream
Transportation: Arrange airport pickup with your hotel. (We paid IDR 750K). If taking a taxi from the airport, use only the Bluebird Taxis. It takes about four hours from the airport to Amed.
Ubud is about a three-hour ride away (IDR 600K)
Rent a scooter (IDR 65K-85K per day) from your hotel in Amed to get around if you’re a confident rider. Otherwise, ask your hotel to arrange a driver.
Famous for: Excellent snorkelling, diving, and carefree living.
Tip: For the best sunset view, head to the aptly-named Sunset Point.
Unique Experience: Snorkeling at the Japanese shipwreck
About Amed, Bali
Amed Beach is actually more than just a single beach. Seven villages make up what is popularly known as Amed Beach. The villages of Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning, and Aas are stretched out along a narrow road that connects them all and runs along the stunning coastline.
The road connecting these seven villages is about 10 km long, and one village will melt into the other without you even noticing it. On one side of the road, you get the ocean in every shade of blue imaginable.
The blue meets black sand beaches where an armada of jukungs (fishing boats) await their fishermen. From the black sand, you can swim out to some of the best snorkeling reefs in Bali. On the other side of the road, it is the jungle book where the lushness lives.
And between all of this you can find boutique hotels, guesthouses, infinity pools, warungs and restaurants, yoga lessons, diving schools, free range chickens and if you look very carefully- the true meaning of life.
Amed is not undiscovered, but it’s not the sticks, either. We found Amed to have the perfect balance between having things to keep us entertained and a lack thereof to keep us chilling hard.
Our guide to Amed in Bali covers the best things to do in Amed and hopefully will convince you to come and spend a few days, or lifetimes, in this little slice of heaven.
Where We Stayed in Amed, Bali
You can find accommodation for every budget and taste in Amed. Scattered along the seven fishing villages, you’ll find budget sleeps, simple guesthouses, dive lodges, boutique hotels and villas.
We stayed at Aquaterrace the first time and, because we liked it so much, came back again a year later. Aquaterrace has a lot to do with why we like Amed so much.
Update: We just returned from our third holiday in Amed (yes, it gets better every time, in case you were wondering). Unfortunately, Aquaterrace was fully booked on our dates. This time we stayed at Amed Dream on Ibus Beach, which also comes highly recommended.
Our Stay at Aquaterrace in Amed
Aquaterrace is not your typical Bali beach hotel. There are no palm trees, thatch roofs or bamboo furniture. Instead, you’ll find a snow-white building clinging to a small rocky outcrop that drops into a shallow coral reef and sandy beach. Between the white of the rooms and the blues of the sea, you’ll find Aquaterace’s pièce de résistance: that sublime infinity pool!
Ignore the lush vegetation, the fragrance of frangipani and the humidity, and you might as well be in Santorini. Owned by a Japanese wife and Indonesian husband, you can feel the warm hospitality of Indonesia meet minimal and efficient Japan.
Aquaterrace sits on both sides of the road. On the wrong side of the road, you’ll find the bistro, a spa, rooms, and a swimming pool. We only visited the restaurant since we were on the right side of the road. You don’t want to be staying on the wrong side of the road. Make sure you book the ocean-view rooms.
The ocean view annexe of Aquaterrace has only four units, THAT POOL and a spa. This means that you’ll only ever share the pool with three other rooms. There are also four little cabanas next to the pool.
The ocean view units consist of a queen-size bed, a lounge area that can double as an extra bed for a child, a shower and bath and a separate toilet. The minibar is well stocked with snacks and drinks. Jin was ecstatic when she saw the Sensatia-branded toiletries. I liked the view from the shower window across the sea the best.
The included breakfast has several delicious options, and they will deliver it to your balcony. Afternoon tea or coffee with snacks is also included, which you can have poolside or in your room. The snacks change every day and are a nice touch. We’ve had brownies, fried bananas, pancakes and dadar gulung (Indonesian coconut pancakes).
Our Stay at Amed Dream on Ibus Beach
We stayed at the lovely Amed Dream on Ibus Beach for our third Amed vacation. Also known as Amed Dream Ibus Beach Club, this hotel was the perfect home for a week.
Amed Dream has a few things going for it: the best beach in Amed, a great pool and peace and quiet.
The hotel sits on the side of the road (like most others in Amed) and tumbles down to the sandy Ibus Beach below. A series of steps leads from the reception down past the pool and gardens before reaching the lawn directly on the beach. It’s a tropical paradise.
There is a bar serving drinks and food on the beach, a few sunbeds and tables on the lawn, and large trees provide shade. The spa is also under the trees, just meters from the beach.
Amed Dream has a dreamy pool to enjoy – a must for a good holiday. The pool is built in two tiers, with a larger and deeper pool on top and a shallower one at the bottom. The top pool is two meters deep, so you can really take a deep dive into your Aquaman fantasies.
Ibus beach is lovely—the most beautiful in Amed for us—with jukungs under palm trees, soft grey sand, and calm water. The sand slopes down gently before giving way to coral. The snorkeling is pretty decent, and the Japanese Shipwreck is just a few hundred metres away.
Indonesian (Nasi or Mie goreng) and Western breakfasts (pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, porridge) are served in the common area. Two of the best restaurants in town are next door (Ibus Beach Warung for fresh seafood and Balinese food or Trattoria for the best pizza and pasta in Amed).
Our room was large and comfy, and the balcony offered a fantastic view of the pool and the beach.
Amed Dream is at the southern point of Amed, so you will need a scooter to enjoy it. A scooter ride to Sunset Point or the restaurants of Jemeluk and Amed Beaches should take about 20 minutes.
We loved Amed Dream, and if you’re looking for a quiet and beautiful beach hotel, you will too.
Things to Do in Amed, Bali
For us, a big part of Amed’s appeal is that there isn’t much to do. It’s simply a small, beautiful seaside town where you can take your chilling to the next level. Just like a good, relaxing holiday should be. Between lounging poolside and eating delicious food, there is enough to keep you busy though.
With that in mind, here is our take on the best things to do in Amed for an unforgettable holiday in East Bali.
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Amed is some of the best there is in Bali. The water around Amed is crystal clear, with abundant marine life and healthy corals.
Almost anywhere you put your head underwater in Amed will reward you with excellent snorkeling. And best, you don’t need a boat to experience it. Amed is one of the best places for snorkeling straight from the beach in Indonesia.
Snorkeling gear (fins, masks, snorkels and lifevests) is available for rent all over Amed. The going rate seems to be IDR 50K per day.
My favourite snorkeling spot in Amed is Jemeluk Beach, especially the section right under Sunset Point. The reef here is shallow, with incredible coral and tons of life just below the surface. I was lucky enough to find turtles here a few times and spotted the enormous resident Titan fish on every snorkeling session over the last few years.
Lipah Beach also offers excellent snorkeling and easy access to the reef. The reef here is not as expansive as Jemeluk’s, but the sand is a bit finer and less dark, so it doesn’t get as hot midday.
Another great snorkeling spot is the Japanese Shipwreck. While it lacks the fantastic coral of Jemeluk, the idea of snorkeling over a shipwreck more than makes up for it. There is always something interesting to see in the nooks and crannies of the wreck. Pipefish also love hanging around the wreck.
The Japanese Shipwreck has an entrance fee of IDR 25K, which includes a soft drink, juice, coffee, or tea, as well as showers and toilets. The fee also covers parking for your scooter.
The snorkeling in Amed is top-notch and suitable for most ages and abilities, unlike snorkeling in Komodo where stronger currents are the norm.
Watch the Sunset
Sunsets are awesome, and even more so in paradise. Even though Amed faces east, sunsets are pretty spectacular. If the Bali gods bless you, you’ll be in for quite a show.
So when the shadows get long, find your spot and something cold to drink and revel in those last golden glows of the day.
Below are two of our go-to sunset spots in Amed.
Sunset Point – The Best Sunset Spot in Amed
Mount Agung, the largest and most active volcano in Bali, looms just behind Amed. It is when Agung blows her top that the airport in Denpasar has to shut down, leaving many tourists stuck in paradise. But fear not; visiting Amed is safe, and Agung usually sleeps peacefully.
Sunset Point overlooking Jemeluk Beach is where you can get the best view of Agung. At sunset, it’s pure magic. Order yourself something cold and watch the show.
On our first trip to Amed, Sunset Point was an open patch with a few tables serving beer, juice and snacks. We returned a year later to find many more tables and signs of construction. When we returned this year, it had evolved into a completely new Sunset Point.
Sunset Point is now best described as a beach club.
There is a spectacular pool with a swim-up bar, sun chairs, and bean bags, and it even has its own band. You can easily spend the entire day here if you wish. While much has changed, it’s still the best sunset spot in Amed.
Entrance fee to Sunset Point is IDR 100K per person, which can be redeemed for food and drinks.
The Roof Top – Sunset on Amed Beach
The Roof Top on Amed Beach (next to the Amed Selfie Spot) is how we like our sunset spots: free entrance, laid-back, and with cold and cheap drinks.
Expect some golden 80s, 90s and naughties music like Roxette, Bryan Adams or REM to accompany you while nurturing your Bintang and revisiting memory lane.
The Roof Top is right on Amed Beach, and the black sand really pops later in the day. It was great to watch locals and tourists taking sunset strolls or swimming while kids flew kites and jukungs coming to shore. Looking in the other direction, Agung rises beyond the roofs and paddies of Amed.
Find the Underwater Temple
Not all of Amed’s attractions are in plain sight. Something one must see in Amed is the Underwater Temple, which, of course, is hidden under the sea.
Ignore other blogs fluffing on about the ancient or spiritual temple; the Underwater Temple in Amed was purely put where it is as a tourist attraction. It’s a popular spot with snorkelers.
The Underwater Temple is just offshore Jemeluk Beach. It’s a short swim to reach, and even kids can do it. A black buoy marks the spot, making it easy to find.
I always get a coffee or juice at Villa Coral before swimming out to the Underwater Temple, as it is literally a stone’s throw away. Ask the friendly staff; they’ll point you in the right direction.
Relax on the Beach
It wouldn’t really be a beach holiday if you didn’t go to the beach, right? The beaches in Amed typically have volcanic black sand, which makes them so unique. You will, no doubt, spend quite a bit of time on the beach in Amed.
For those who don’t like the beach (what’s wrong with you?), you can stay in the pool and peer out over the sea with a pretty pink drink in hand.
Amed Beach is the one with the darkest sand and the best views of Mount Agung from the beach. There is some snorkeling here, but it gets better towards Jemeluk further south. The black sand is like a furnace midday. Amed Beach is at its best in the late afternoon when the colours really pop, and it’s not so hot.
Jemeluk and Lipah Beaches are the busiest (by Amed standards), with many warungs, cafes and guesthouses. Sunbeds are available to rent by the day (IDR 50K), or it’s perfectly acceptable to order a drink somewhere and leave your things there when going for a swim.
Beaches get quieter, and the sand finer and paler as you head south of Sunset Point.
Selang Beach has a nice stretch of sand and decent snorkeling, while further south, you’ll find Ibus Beach. Ibus Beach is the most beautiful beach in Amed (and the quietest), with fine sand that slopes down gently to the snorkeling reef.
See our post on all the Amed beaches to see which one syncs with your psyche.
Get a Balinese Massage Treatment
Nothing says unwind, vacation, wellness and Bali quite like a good old massage. Like elsewhere in Bali, a massage treatment in Amed is very affordable and heavenly.
We prioritise wellness and investing in ourselves when on holiday, so in Amed we go for a massage every second day. Because we deserve it 😝
Many hotels have in-house massage treatments, but there are also quite a few spas and massage places in Amed.
The in-house massage at Aquaterrace is amazing, and guests receive a substantial discount, so do make use of it when staying there. Outside guests are welcome, but reservations are required, and you’ll pay full price.
Jin hunted down the best-rated massage treatments in Amed, and our schedule in Amed basically revolved around that and where we were eating.
Swasti Devi Spa: We had a 90-minute Balinese massage here, and it was heavenly. After enjoying a cold welcome drink, we were taken to a private massage house in the garden. Our therapists washed our feet first, then kneaded, rubbed, pounded, and bent us until we reached nirvana.
Contact them on WhatsApp (+62 813-3949-3497) a day or two in advance to book an appointment.
Amed Bali Spa: This house of body pleasures is one of the most popular in Amed. We could only get one slot during the entire week, and after our invigorating 90-minute virgin coconut oil massage, we understand why.
They are absolutely amazing and definitely have the magic touch.
We liked the beautiful setting of our private massage room, surrounded by lots of greenery.
You will not get a spot unless you make a reservation.
Send them a WhatsApp (+62 819-1652-6965) a few days in advance.
Also read:
The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary for Bali
Ride a Freedom Machine
Having your own wheels will greatly improve your time in Amed. Renting a scooter allows you to pretty much go where and when you please, the perfect combination of pleasure and convenience.
Traffic in Amed is light, and there is basically only one long street, making getting lost impossible. After a day or two, you will probably go and explore the side roads and make your own accidental discoveries. Or put your mask and snorkel under the seat and the fins by your feet and cruise along the coast from one magical snorkeling site to the next.
Having a scooter also allows you to explore the attractions near Amed, such as Lahangan Sweet or Tirta Gangga, at your own pace and on your own terms. In town, you can eat, swim and chill anywhere.
Even though riding a scooter in Amed is a dream, only rent one if you’re confident riding it. Always wear a helmet, follow the basic road rules and don’t try and be cocky.
Your hotel will most likely have scooters and helmets for rent. However, during peak season (June-August), hotels might run out of scooters, as we experienced on our last visit.
In that case, send a message to Amed Bali Adventure (WhatsApp +62 821 3874 9445). They came to drop off the bike at our hotel and came to collect it again on the last day. Rates start from IDR 65K for a Vario 110cc to IDR 85K for a Yamaha Zeon 125cc.
If you’re planning longer day trips from Amed, you will definitely need a 125cc for those uphill sections.
Observe Balinese Life
Amed is a world away from glitzy Seminyak and uber-cool Canggu and is the perfect place to immerse yourself and observe typical life in Bali. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bali, and want both beach and local culture, then Amed is your place.
Watch the armada of jukungs returning to shore first thing in the morning, bringing in their catch. You’ll see people making offerings at small shrines or their homes everywhere. Young men grooming their roosters for a cockfight and fishermen pimping their boats are a common sight. Slow down and make sure to see these little glimpses of traditional Balinese life.
On our way to dinner one night, we passed a ceremony. Slowing down on the scooter to get a better view, the host came over and invited us to have a look.
When we returned later in the night, the ceremony was in full swing. A whole band of gamelan players was hitting their gongs, and the dancers were in a trance. By this time, the dancers had obviously left this realm since each dancer had a helper to keep them upright whenever the music stopped playing. The palm wine was flowing freely, and the energy was electric.
Eat Beautiful & Healthy Food
Scattered between the beaches, boats and dive outfits, you’ll find warungs (small Indonesian eateries), restaurants and bars. Even if it’s not your goal, you’ll probably put on a few pounds in Amed. We kept telling ourselves that it was the snorkeling that worked up a bigger appetite, but, truth be told, the food in Amed is just so good.
Like elsewhere in Bali, the cooks in Amed have perfected the art of eating with your eyes, too. Fresh and vibrant, the food in Amed will not disappoint. Our schedule in Amed revolved around where and when we were eating or getting a massage.
In Amed, you’ll find a bit of everything to eat. There is lots of fresh seafood, lots of Balinese and Indonesian food, some pizza and pasta, burgers, healthy smoothie bowls, and lots of fresh juice.
Our favourite restaurants in Amed:
- Warung Agung (Try the corn fritters)
- Good Stuff (Beautiful smoothie bowls and fantastic pork ribs)
- Life in Amed (MUST try the decadent chocolate cake and ice cream)
- Asli Amed (Rendang and sate)
- Warung Sabar (Seafood Basket and black rice pudding for dessert)
Look at all our favourite restaurants in Amed if you still can’t decide where to eat.
Things to Do Near Amed
Eastern Bali is well off the beaten track and there are some wonderful excursions for a half-day or day trip from Amed.
You could cruise your scooter up and down the coast to beach hop and snorkel or head inland for some incredible mountain scenery and cultural attractions.
Going by scooter is by far the most enjoyable, but get a driver if you’re travelling with the family or can’t ride a scooter.
Break Instagram at Lahangan Sweet
You’ll find one of the most beautiful spots in Bali if you drive about 40 minutes up the mountain from Amed. Lahangan Sweet is indeed a sweet spot with incredible views of Mount Agung.
Come here to take some pretty photos, and you might just break Instagram with all the likes you’ll get. There are several Instagram-worthy photo spots, with the platform in the tree being the most beautiful.
The incredible beauty and beautiful scenery on the drive here from Amed make Lahangan Sweet, our favourite half-day trip from Amed.
When we went, an employee took some pictures of us and even directed us how to pose for the best photos. We are no Instagram whores, so I was sceptical about visiting one of these hotspots as they are often very tacky, and the people visiting them very annoying. However, Lahangan Sweet is the exception to rule. It is unbelievably beautiful, and we even had it to ourselves, even when visiting during peak season.
Besides nice photo ops, you’ll also get a sweeping view towards Amed and the coastline.
The scooter ride to Lahangan Sweet from Amed is equally breathtaking, passing rice terraces, villages and temples along the way.
The road is STEEP and WINDING, so please drive carefully and don’t speed. When reaching the entrance, you can park for free and walk the last few hundred metres up the steep hill to the summit. Or pay, and a jeep will drive you up.
Entrance Fee: IDR 30K
Jeep to the top: IDR 50K per person (or you could walk the 20 minutes from the parking to the viewpoint for free)
Read our guide to Lahangan Sweet for all the nitty gritty.
Feed the Fish at Tirta Gangga
The holy water site of Tirta Gangga is about 30 minutes away from Amed. You could easily drive out on your scooter. Or perhaps a better idea is to get your driver to stop there for an hour or so on your way to or from Amed, like we did.
Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace, named after the holy Ganges River, which is central to Hinduism. Aside from its cultural importance, it is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in Bali with a collection of ponds, fountains, statues and tropical gardens.
The ponds with their giant koi fish are a hit with the Instagram crowd, so get here early if you want to experience it in peace. Also, buy some fish food before you enter to feed the fish living in the ponds.
- Opening hours: Everyday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: IDR 50K for adults, IDR 15K for children
- Parking fee: IDR 2 000 if coming with your own wheels
See the Berina Rice Terrace
Who doesn’t love a good old rice terrace, especially in Bali? Visitors to Bali go doolally for a paddy, and if you’re one of them, you’ll be happy to know there is a beautiful rice terrace in Eastern Bali near Amed.
The Berina rice terraces are located near Tirta Gangga, (about ten minutes before reaching Tirta Gangga from Amed). So it’s an easy and beautiful stop to include while seeing the water palace.
You’ll see the Berina rice terrace from the road, so you can simply pull over and take a few snaps whenever you like. There is also a roadside stall at the best vantage point where you could sit down for a kopi or snack.
How to Get to Amed
Amed sits on the far eastern edge of Bali. On clear days you can see Lombok across the water. The best way to get here is to get a private car with a driver. Getting from Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar takes about roughly four hours, depending on traffic. We paid IDR 750K for the ride from the airport to Amed.
If going to Ubud, the drive takes just under three hours and costs IDR 650K.
There are several places advertising tours and transportation along the road in Amed. These places are also selling fast boat tickets to the Gili Islands in Lombok. I’m not sure whether these boats actually leave from Amed, or Padangbai just to the south.
That concludes our big little guide to Amed and our favourite place in Bali. You should really go there, and we hope to see you there one day…soon. If you have any questions or if we missed anything, drop us a message in the comments below.
